Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon today congratulated those who campaigned to save Kelly’s Bush and other areas of Sydney during the green ban period, when resident groups and the Builders Labourers Federation worked hand in hand to stop inappropriate development.

“The ‘Battlers for Kelly’s Bush’ were an inspirational group of women who saw the opportunity to work with the BLF to save a magical slice of Sydney bush,” Senator Rhiannon said.

“The fight for Kelly’s Bush blossomed into a significant movement which saw 42 green bans in the early 1970s protect Sydney’s landscape from bulldozers.

“More than 100 people were arrested in actions that preserved homes and urban bushland.

“It was the Green Ban movement that saw NSW MPs pass the first laws in Australia to protect heritage and promote community involvement in planning,” Senator Rhiannon said.